Dolly Parton Has a Message to Share After Seeing ‘Jolene’ on Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ Tracklist

Dolly Parton had to have this talk. The country icon spoke out after Beyoncé unveiled the tracklist to her upcoming country album Cowboy Carter on Wednesday (March 27), which revealed that she has a song titled “Jolene” on the set.

The country superstar shared Bey’s announcement to her Instagram Stories later on Wednesday with a simple message: “Play the original while you wait for @beyonce’s ‘Jolene,’” the 10-time Grammy winner wrote, along with a link to listen to her 1974 hit on streaming services.

Queen Bey did not indicate whether the “Jolene” on her upcoming album — which arrives Friday (March 29) — is a cover or collaboration with Parton. The superstar’s tracklist also included mentions of country artists Willie Nelson and Linda Martell, though again, it’s unclear whether the two have collabs with Bey.

Parton previously addressed speculation that Bey may be taking on her classic track. ““Well, I think she has!” she told Knox News. “I think she’s recorded ‘Jolene’ and I think it’s probably gonna be on her country album, which I’m very excited about that.” 

“I love her!” Parton added of the 32-time Grammy winner. “She’s a beautiful girl and a great singer.” 

“Jolene” peaked at No. 60 on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 1974, and No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart in February that year. The song also earned Parton a 1975 Grammy nod for best female country vocal performance for the recording, while the live version earned her a nod in the same category the following year.